Worldcoin, the cryptocurrency project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has officially launched. Users who complete an Orb iris scan verification are eligible to receive an initial airdrop of 25 WLD tokens. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for account registration and claiming your tokens.
What Is Worldcoin?
Worldcoin is a cryptocurrency initiative established in 2020 with the goal of creating a more global, equitable, and inclusive financial and identity system. Its vision is to build the world's largest identity and currency network based on proof of personhood, primarily through the use of specialized hardware called the Orb that scans an individual's iris.
The project is built around three core components:
- World ID: A privacy-preserving digital identity that verifies an individual is a unique and real person.
- WLD Token: A digital currency intended for widespread, free distribution to people across the globe.
- World App: A wallet application that enables users to hold, send, and receive digital assets, including the WLD token.
How to Register for a Worldcoin Account
Follow these steps to create your account and prepare for verification.
- Download the official World App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Open the application, review and agree to the terms of service, and select the "New account" option.
- You will be prompted to enter your mobile phone number to receive a verification code. Afterwards, you will create a secure password for your account.
- Once these steps are complete, your new account will be automatically created.
Your account is now ready, but you must complete the Orb verification process to claim your tokens.
Completing the Orb Iris Scan Verification
The Orb is a custom-designed device that captures an image of your iris to generate a unique, anonymous identifier, proving your humanness without collecting personally identifiable information.
If you are physically near an Orb operator, you can select "Yes, verify now" within the World App to begin the verification process.
- Note: Availability varies by region. As of the project's launch, Orb verification is not yet available in Taiwan, with the nearest locations being in Hong Kong.
- If you need to locate an Orb, navigate to the app's homepage and select the "Verify with an Orb" option.
- The app will allow you to select your country or region, displaying a list of available Orb operators and their locations.
- You can then schedule an appointment at your preferred location by selecting a time slot and providing your name and email address.
- After a successful iris scan, your World ID status in the app will update from a grey "Not Verified" state to a verified status. This makes you eligible to claim your WLD token grant. For a secure and streamlined experience managing your new digital assets, you can explore more strategies on a trusted platform.
Understanding the WLD Token and the 25 WLD Airdrop
According to its official documentation, the WLD token is the native asset of the Worldcoin protocol, initially launched on the Optimism network. It has a maximum total supply of 10 billion tokens.
The token is designed for several use cases, including protocol governance, paying for services within the World App and other applications, and facilitating transactions. Its long-term ambition is to function as a global store of value.
At launch, the initial circulating supply was 143 million WLD. A significant portion of this, 43 million WLD, was allocated to users who verified their identity using an Orb during the project's pre-launch phase. Each verified user received an airdrop of 25 WLD.
The full token allocation is broken down as follows:
- 75% for the Worldcoin community (users and ecosystem growth).
- 9.8% allocated to the initial development team.
- 13.5% allocated to Tools for Humanity (TFH) investors.
- 1.7% held in reserve for TFH.
The project has indicated that verified users may receive additional token grants in the future, though specific details on distribution schedules have not yet been finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my biometric data safe with Worldcoin?
Worldcoin states that it uses zero-knowledge proofs and does not store raw biometric images. The Orb converts the scan into an irreversible numeric code (an iris hash) to verify uniqueness. The original image is typically deleted immediately after this code is generated.
What if there is no Orb available in my country?
You can still download the World App and create an account. You should check the app periodically for updates on new Orb operator locations as the network expands globally.
Can I sell or transfer my World ID?
No, your World ID is non-transferable. It is a proof of your unique personhood and is permanently tied to you. Selling or buying verified World IDs goes against the project's terms of service.
Where can I check the price of WLD?
After its launch, the WLD token was listed on several major cryptocurrency exchanges. Price information is available on most major crypto price tracking websites and exchange platforms.
What is the purpose of the World App?
The World App is a self-custodial wallet that allows you to manage your World ID, claim and hold your WLD tokens, and conduct transactions. It is designed to be user-friendly for those new to digital currency.
Are there any fees associated with claiming the airdrop?
There are no direct fees to claim the initial airdrop. However, network (gas) fees for on-chain transactions are applicable and are common for any activity on a blockchain network. To understand and potentially optimize these costs, you can view real-time tools and resources.